Social and Emotional Learning

By: Erin Pell

Learning Targets

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define the five core skills of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

2. Describe two benefits of SEL for student development.

3. Identify the main factors that create successful implementation of SEL programs in schools.

What is SEL?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of helping children learn how to understand and manage their emotions, build up positive relationships, make good choices, and handle challenges in healthy ways.

The 5 Core Skills of SEL :

There are five recognized skills of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making (CASEL, n.d.-a). Self-awareness is one’s own ability to recognize one’s own feelings and strengths. On the other hand, self-management is the focus on regulating those emotions and behavior. Social awareness means trying to understand and respect others’ feelings and needs. Responsible decision-making involves making safe, ethical, and constructive choices (NC DPI, n.d.). In a Pre-K classroom, this could look like a child saying, “I’m so mad,” counting to 3, sharing crayons with a classmate, or cleaning up when it is time to transition.

Lets break it down below:

1. Self-Awareness

Recognizing emotions, thoughts, and values.
Understanding strengths and challenges.
Building confidence and a sense of identity.

Example: A child notices they feel nervous before speaking in circle time.

2. Self-Management

Managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.
Setting goals and working toward them.
Practicing self-control and perseverance.

Example: Taking deep breaths when frustrated instead of yelling.

3. Social Awareness

Showing empathy and compassion for others.
Understanding different perspectives and cultures.
Recognizing social cues and respecting diversity.

Example: Listening to a classmate’s idea even if it’s different from their own.

4. Relationship Skills

Building and keeping positive relationships.
Communicating clearly, listening actively, and working together.
Resolving conflicts respectfully.

Example: Asking a peer to play kindly and sharing toys

5. Responsible Decision-Making

Making thoughtful, safe, and respectful choices.
Considering consequences of actions.
Balancing personal needs with the well-being of others.

Example: Choosing to help clean up the classroom instead of rushing to be first in line.

What benefits does SEL provide for students?

Examination of studies and classrooms consistently shows that SEL programs benefit both in academics and socially. “SEL programs reduce disruptive behavior problems and emotional distress. Fostering these competencies increases students’ engagement in learning and subsequently improves students’ cognitive and academic performance” (Learning Policy Institute, 2023, p. 4). With SEL being implemented test scores are often higher, better classroom behavior and more involvement within the school. With the use of SEL tools you can create a better overall environment. SEL also reduces emotional distress, such as anxiety or frustration, and promotes stronger peer relationships (Learning Policy Institute, 2023). In a Pre-K classroom like the one I teach in, these benefits can be seen when students are more focused during Storytime, sharing materials like toys or markers without fighting, or help a classmate who is upset. With time and practice these skills help long-term success in both academics and personal growth.

SEL benefits

The Research

SEL programs improve academic performance (higher test scores, better focus).
SEL reduces behavior problems and emotional distress (less fighting, fewer meltdowns).
SEL builds stronger peer relationships (sharing, helping, collaborating).

Source: Learning Policy Institute (2023)

What This Looks Like in a Pre-K Classroom

Focused learners: Children pay attention during Storytime instead of getting distracted.
Peaceful sharing: Kids pass markers and toys without arguments.
Caring helpers: Students notice and comfort a classmate who is upset.

Teacher Tools to Reinforce SEL

Modeling: Show calm breathing when you’re stressed, narrate kind behavior.
Visual supports: Feelings charts, classroom rules posters, “calm-down corner.”
Games & songs: Build SEL into routines with music, role-play, and movement.
Positive reinforcement: Celebrate small successes—“I saw you use kind words!”

Source: Learning Policy Institute (2023)

Long-Term Benefits

Students develop skills for school success and personal growth.
SEL practices lead to healthier, happier classroom environments.
These early foundations carry through to lifelong emotional intelligence.

What factors make SEL programs effective in schools?

In order for SEL to lead to positive outcomes the programs must create a purposeful design and be consistent in the classroom and with peers. Research identifies four elements of effective SEL instruction: it should be sequenced, active, focused, and explicit (SAFE) (Cipriano et al., 2023). Lessons must be articulated slowly while including hands-on learning, specific goals and be clear wit objectives. Equally important are teacher training, supportive school policies, and culturally responsive practices that reflect student diversity (Learning Policy Institute, 2023). In Pre-K, teachers can act out scenarios to create problem-solving with puppets, use role playing, or have an allocated area in the classroom for a “calming corner”.

The S.A.F.E. SEL poster is designed to help young students remember and practice key social-emotional learning skills in a simple, positive way. This is a great tool to use in the classroom.

The Classroom Reality

As a Pre-K teacher, I’ve seen how simple SEL practices shape children’s development:

Morning check-ins set a positive tone.
Role-play and puppets allow children to practice problem-solving.
A calming corner teaches self-regulation.
Books with SEL themes spark empathy and understanding.

These daily routines help children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

The Teacher’s Takeaway

SEL should not be taught as a “once-a-week lesson” but woven into daily routines. Small, everyday actions show the power of SEL:

A child names their feelings instead of acting out.
A child takes deep breaths when upset.
A child shares materials with a peer.

These micro-moments build lifelong skills.

This visual highlights the many benefits of incorporating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into school settings. SEL helps students build essential life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. It improves academic achievement, class performance, and behavior while also developing confident, responsible decision-makers. By integrating SEL into daily lessons, educators strengthen both academic and emotional growth, create supportive communities, and build stronger partnerships with families. Ultimately, SEL equips students with the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.

Reflection for New Teachers:

I used to think SEL was mostly about managing behavior. Now I know it’s about nurturing the whole child helping children grow into their best selves in every way.

SEL creates classrooms that are calmer, kinder, and more successful for learning.

Key Message for Educators:

SEL is not an “extra.” It’s the foundation for both academic learning and healthy development.

Reflection Activity: “Through the SEL Lens”

How can you weave SEL into your daily classroom routines (like Storytime, transitions, or group play) so it feels natural instead of a separate “lesson”?

When a child shows challenging behavior, how might viewing it through the lens of SEL (skills they are still learning) change your response as a teacher?

Scenario:
A 4-year-old refuses to share markers during art time. When another child tries to take one, the first child yells and pushes the other away.

Task for New Teachers:

Identify the SEL skill the child is still developing (self-management, relationship skills, etc.).
Reflect: How could you respond in a way that both addresses the behavior and teaches the SEL skill?
Extension: Think of a simple routine or tool (like a calming corner, turn-taking game, or emotion chart) you could build into your daily schedule to help prevent this situation in the future.

References

CASEL. (n.d.-a). What is the CASEL framework? Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-is-the-casel-framework

CASEL. (n.d.-b). What does the research say? Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-does-the-research-say

Cipriano, C., et al. (2023). Social and emotional learning significantly improves student academic performance, well-being, and perceptions of school safety. Yale School of Medicine. https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/new-research-published-in-child-development-confirms-social-and-emotional-learning-significantly-improves-student-academic-performance-well-being-and-perceptions-of-school-safety

Learning Policy Institute. (2023). Evidence for social and emotional learning in schools. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/evidence-social-emotional-learning-schools-report

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. (n.d.). Defining social and emotional learning. https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/districts-schools-support/nc-social-emotional-learning/defining-social-emotional-learning

How I Used AI

I used ChatGPT to help me organize and grammatically enhance my essay on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). I also used it to format APA citations, ensure my writing was clean, and improve overall clarity. AI was used as a support tool to strengthen vocabulary and grammar, but all ideas and final writing were reviewed and written in my own words. I also used ChatGPT to help create images that supported my lesson content and presentation.

Using AI made the process easier and more efficient, especially when it came to organizing thoughts, revising drafts, and checking grammar. It shortened my writing process while allowing me to focus more on refining the content itself. Overall, AI enhanced my writing quality and helped me present my lesson on SEL in a clearer and more professional way.

My policy is to use AI as a supportive tool not as a replacement for my own ideas or creativity. I believe AI should be used to enhance clarity, structure, and accuracy while keeping the writer’s authentic voice and perspective at the center. Moving forward, I plan to use AI thoughtfully to assist with organization and polish, but always ensure that the final product reflects my own understanding and originality.

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